Monthly Archives: June 2015

I was just talking to a friend about different current events, mainly Rachel Dolezal and her claim to self-identify with a race that is unmatched to her genetic makeup. We also talked about the increasing awareness of people who struggle with gender identity. It is not my intention to create a heated debate on gender or race identification, nor am I saying that one is related to the other, but discussing these issues with my friend did lead us to a discussion about an even broader scale of self-identity: Our own self worth.

OK, women (and men), how often do you look at other people and size them up? Without being critical or judgmental toward them, you are assessing their condition for the sole purpose of scaling your own physique. Thoughts like “My arms are bigger than hers”, “Her waist is smaller”, “I’m thicker”, “She’s thinner”. You might compare skin tone, hair texture and any number of qualities that you have no control over (height, frame, bone structure). You can think yourself into a lousy mood and a completely false reality as to what truly matters about being you.

Prime (Time) Example

On The Today Show this morning, they showed a picture of Kate Hudson lying poolside in a bikini.

This picture is not a crime. She looks great. The location is pretty. It’s gotten over 50K “hearts” on Instagram. What brakes my heart are the comments that followed by the news anchor on The Today Show. Jenna Bush Hager saw the photo and commented, “Now I’m depressed”. The other anchor reminded her she was pregnant, not to worry and Jenna replied, “Even when I’m not pregnant, I don’t look like that”. Now, I’m definitely not picking on Jenna Bush Hager for her comments. She’s just thinking out loud the same thoughts that run through so many minds when we see images like this. This is a representation of how girls, women and even men (yes, men have body image issues too) can be so self critical. Ms. Bush Hager is adorable and fit. She has a lucrative career and the journalistic reach to impact the thoughts and ideas of many. She has political connections and a resume filled with meaningful experiences, yet an image of Kate Hudson in a bikini can instigate an impulsive comment about her own body image.

I’m not suggesting we all go eat a Big Mac and resign to the couch in surrender. Our physical health is of utmost importance. I encourage everyone to eat well, exercise often and practice healthy daily rituals. But the ideal body image for each individual cannot be found in a magazine, on E! or in someone else’s Instagram feed. You’re frame and features are specifically unique to you. Your body and mind is capable of achievements that you can’t even imagine. I’m all for vision boards and imagery as a form of inspiration, but do have some meaning behind those images. How do you want to feel? What do you want to be able to do, physically? As soon as you let go of “looking a certain way” and shift the focus to accomplishing goals that act as milestones on your journey, you’ll feel empowered. You’ll smile in the mirror and like what you see. Of course, you will be more toned and have that healthy sparkle in your eye. That’s just a side affect to treating your body right. It’s perfectly OK to enjoy that. But let go of the comparisons. The rest of the world is not your competition. They are your teammates. Let’s lift each other up.

Each day do something that makes you feel strong. It might be finishing a challenging workout. It might be sticking to your healthy nutrition plan. It might be silencing the voice of self doubt. Each day do something to help you find the calm within you. Pray, mediate, walk, cook, read, practice yoga. Do what works for you. Have a plan. Don’t look at fitness and nutrition as an evil form of torture to try to turn you into a fitspo pic on Pinterest. It’s so much more meaningful than that. Let it be a tool, a guide, a resource and a system of support that helps you feel good, proud and strong.

Try one (or all) of these 8 Minute Meltdowns for your daily dose of strong 🙂

Time’s Up!

We are days away from the official start of Summer. I know you’re aware of this because the number of views on the ab workouts is multiplying at a record pace. That’s all fine and good, but don’t forget about the rest of your body. Bikini belly aside, let’s talk about tank-top-triceps. Shaping tight, lean arms can be tricky without equipment like dumbbells and cable machines, but never fear, I’ll take care of you. Here is an 8 minute workout that is undeniably effective at sculpting and toning the triceps. If you have a kitchen chair, a bench or a sturdy coffee table, you can do this workout. Complete it 3 times per week for visible results in a few short weeks. If you really mean business, build a longer workout by alternating one round of this with one round of the 8 Minute Meltdown abdominal workout, then repeat. Complete up to 3 rounds of each, depending on your current level of fitness (and amount of time you have available).

When you’re done with your workout, don’t forget to refuel the right way. Try this post Meltdown smoothie for a decadent recovery treat:

It’s so simple to make. It reminds me of the drink you get when you’re on a cruise that’s half strawberry daiquiri and half pina colada…except this one is made with real food instead of artificially flavored syrups and it doesn’t contain alcohol (at least mine doesn’t).

Bottom layer:

1/2 sliced frozen banana

1/3 cup pineapple

3 oz plain grass fed yogurt (1/2 of a 6 oz container)

Splash of organic unsweetened coconut milk

Top layer:

The other half of your frozen banana

4-5 strawberries

The other half of yogurt container (3 oz)

Splash of organic unsweetened coconut milk

Directions: Blend each layer separately until very smooth. Pour slowly, one layer, then the other. Garnish with a sprinkle of coconut flakes. Aloha!